New diesel truck questions

[fast murray]

Originally Posted by KenHwy61

How do you manually set the idle? I've never seen a newer pickup truck where this is possible. By activating the exhaust brake does this put a load on the engine to warm it faster?

Turn the cruise control on and press set. Then press accelerate or decelerate to raise and lower the idle. I think it maxes out at 1500 rpm. It will raise the idle a little on its own to keep the temp up when parked. The exhaust brake does load the engine.

[R&J Silverback]

as a DODGE man I say take a test drive, I could not be any happier with my 3500

[ferguson65]

Extended idling on any truck with a DPF is looking for trouble. If instant heat is a concern, plug it in, and get the Ford with the rapid heater. Kicking the idle to 1000-1200 will be better for any than just letting it idle at 800 or so.

I will give credit where it's due and say it's great that Dodge offers that from the factory. I have high idle on my Ford for about $5 and an hours work.

If it's under 40 degrees my truck is plugged in if it's at home. The heater will melt a light snow off the hood, but my electric bill is still under $100 a month, so I don't really care. I like to get heat quicker, and between the warm coolant and the rapid heater, it gets pleasant in the cab quick.

I have a 2013 Ford with the 6.7 and love it. I have two issues with the truck, one is that the rear springs are just too soft. It rides good, but sags too much for me under too little weight. Airbags solved this. Second is the lack of a real exhaust brake. The tow haul mode just downshifts the trans and screams the engine to try to slow it down. Doesn't work that well. For 15 they resolved this and added an exhaust brake. Not enough for me to trade in a 10k mile truck though.


I'm a Ford guy through and through, but unless you really know what your getting into, watch out for the 6.4L (08-10) Ford (Navistar) diesel. I know you said 11 or newer, but just a warning, as others have said they can be troublesome. My first diesel truck was a 2007 5.9 Dodge because the Fords weren't worth the trouble. I won't go into detail, but I'll never buy another used HD truck, or Dodge again.

[KenHwy61]

I learned something new today. I didn't know you could control the idle speed with the cruise control while parked.
As far as taking a test drive, that is what started this. I was set on a Duramax, but I was really impressed with the Ram/Cummins test drive I took. Then I read how much people like their Ford 6.7. Plus my wife is going to drive it as well so I have to keep that in mind as well.

[Blackhat6mike]

Originally Posted by KenHwy61

I want to travel more this summer, including a trip to the Rockies and I am thinking about moving to a diesel truck. I have done a lot of research and come to really no conclusion as to what I should buy. The big 3 have seemed to resolved their major past problems and so I would some input about what you really like or don't like about your truck or if you truck has been unusually troublesome. I am looking to go with a newer 3/4 ton 2011 to 2014. Thank you!

Ken. When I bought my Flyer, I had a Titan which pulled it ok, but only got 9 mpgs. I figured I would go for broke since the Titan was an 06. Drove all three companies and bought a Chevy Silverdo 2500 HD and installed a Bully Dog tuner. Before the tuner, I was getting 11 mpg towing the Flyer. After the tuner, I'm getting 14 but with a lot more power. The 2500 HD comes out of the box at 395 hp and 765 ft lbs of torque. 16,000 lb towing cap. and I installed an extra fuel tank/toolbox in the back. I now have 86 gallons that keeps me out of gas stations with the full rig. I'm told by several of my trucker friends that the Duramax engine will out last ME. I don't know if that's good or bad, but deisel is the way to go. I do love the truck.

[Blackhat6mike]

Tuners increase not only HP and torque, but also, and most important to me, fuel milage. With out the tuner and Flyer, I was getting 16 mpg. I now get 21 to 22 mpg at 65 mph. At a 5 mile to the gal increase, that's approx 516 extra miles per fillup. That's big saving to me. Also, you can run a full line of diagnostics and cancel any OBD codes that might come up. It also has an "economy/tow" mode that I have yet to try. The "performance" mode works just fine. You can adjust the transmission shifting but there is no need for that with the Allison tranny. I does just fine.

[DreiHunde]

Love my 2011 Duramax, I purchased it used last year and the only issues I've had were two glow plugs give out but that was covered by the extended power train warranty. Plenty of power and as Asquared said the Exhaust brake is Da Money!!! Especially in the mountains. As far as comfort it rides better than my 05 GMC 2500 gasser (Same tires). My only issue with this truck is an issue with ALL trucks nowadays...I want vinyl floors and seats and you can't get them unless you buy a bare bones work truck and of course I want some of the nicetys/neccessaties! But that's just my personal quirk...nothing against the performance of the truck!

[KenHwy61]

I do like rubber floors because salt from roads and parking lots gets on your shoes and ruins the carpeting. It always seems to find its way around the floor mats. The vinyl seats I am not so sure about though. Unless they have improved a lot I would rather have cloth. Heated leather is quite nice on cold mornings. An earlier poster said he tuned his 2012 Ram truck and I was wondering how that affects warranty. That would be great to improve the mpg so easily. I checked out that Ford rapid heater. It is an 12v electric heater that operates until the engine temp reaches 185 degrees. I've seen cigarette lighter plug-in versions of this but would be nice to have it factory installed. It has been nice to hear all the positives about the diesels. I have read so many diesel engine horror stories it is enough to make you think only a crazy person with deep pockets would ever buy one. It seems the rough years of trying to figure out the emissions problems is mostly over.

[DreiHunde]

and it is amazing on how quiet they are now!

[CincyED]

In 2002 ford parted way with international (original 7.3 powerstroke) and started building there own from 2002- to the new 6.7 there has been 4 or 5 motor changes I would stay away from any 6.0 or 6.4 ford diesel I have heard once you delete them and replace turbo they will run forever but your talking 6-12 thousand to do it around 85,000 mile mark. I really like the duramax diesel and Allison transmission in the Chevy but the crew cab seemed a little tight. I choose a 2013 ram 2500 6.7 and have been very happy. Cummins has a great reputation and right now ram is better priced then the other 2. Also pay attention to what RV transporters are using when I am up in the factory area tons of dodges, many Chevy, and some ford which really surprises me because I was always a ford guy and loved them 5 personal fords and 10plus work fords. A friend of mine who worked at cummings on the 5.9 told me there was over 100 less parts on the cummings verse ford 6.0 & 6.4 that is why they are more reliable.

[KenHwy61]

I wouldn't buy the 6.0 and 6.4 engines from Ford/International but I think Ford knew the 6.7 was to be a make or break engine for them if they were to be successful in the diesel pick-up market. From all I've heard they have done a good job with few problems. I also noticed the Ram costs a little less. That always makes me wonder if the others are making more profit or is the Ram using cheaper materials. People seem happy with their new Rams so who knows.

[taken]

Originally Posted by CincyED

In 2002 ford parted way with international (original 7.3 powerstroke) and started building there own from 2002- to the new 6.7

This is incorrect. Navistar International made the 6.0 and the 6.4 as well. The 6.7 is Ford's entry into making their own diesel which started in 2011. It was re-engineered for the 2015 model year and now has 440HP, 860TQ, and a real exhaust brake.

I agree with the others. All three have excellent products now. It's pick your flavor really. They are all great trucks...

[MeepMeep]

Originally Posted by saltyman

If it rides like a Chevy, runs like a Ford, pulls like a Dodge, then it must be a perfect truck. (:>)

AMEN, brother!!

[tedstr]

We have a new GMC 2500 Duramax and love it pulling our Wildcat. Love it, the power and how really quiet it is riding in it. IMHO take a test drive in the big three and look at how the cabin looks and feels. All of them will do the job, but most important is how you feel driving them. Check the options and the NAV and audio screen. Pick one that is easy for you to operate. Good Luck on your buying adventure.

[AquaMan]

Not sure how the Dodges and Fords work, but on the GMs the high idle is driver selected option in the DIC panel. When the temps are constantly below 20 during the day, I put the front cover on, turn on high idle, and plug in. When it's 10 below I can remote start and walk out to my truck within the first 8 minutes or less (timer of remote start), and the truck will be warm, the seats are warm(remote start turns on seat heaters in winter and coolers in summer), and the windows are clear. The high idle will not engage if the engine is up to temp or while driving, so it's a set it and forget it until spring.

[pwrstroke2012]

With all the trucks being so close anymore it truly is what you prefer. I always liked the Fords so that is what I buy and I am happy with mine. I went from a gasser to a diesel for longer towing and what a difference. Good luck.

[norwood12800]

Great looking truck. Am starting to look as well for a 3/4 ton diesel. The half ton would handle the trailer but it is 35' and getting around gas tanks is a little hairy sometimes so I will move into a diesel. Have had F250 & F350 Ford trucks in the past and loved them but my wife now has RA and the front floor of the Ford HD trucks is raised so much she can't get in from the step. The Chevrolet 2500 has a level floor so guess we will be going with the Chevy this time.

[Richard McDougall]

Absolutely lovin this conversation. Just traded my '07 GMC 1500HD this year on a new end of year sale 2014 2500 Duramax and absolutely lovin it. 30' 5er and no longer trying to draft a semi. Quiet and comfortable with all the power I need. Who could ask for more.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[KenHwy61]

That is a very sharp looking combination! I'll bet you can't wait for spring, unless you are lucky enough to be already wintering somewhere a thousand miles south of Winnipeg.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by CincyED

In 2002 ford parted way with international (original 7.3 powerstroke) and started building there own from 2002- to the new 6.7 there has been 4 or 5 motor changes I would stay away from any 6.0 or 6.4 ford diesel I have heard once you delete them and replace turbo they will run forever but your talking 6-12 thousand to do it around 85,000 mile mark. I really like the duramax diesel and Allison transmission in the Chevy but the crew cab seemed a little tight. I choose a 2013 ram 2500 6.7 and have been very happy. Cummins has a great reputation and right now ram is better priced then the other 2. Also pay attention to what RV transporters are using when I am up in the factory area tons of dodges, many Chevy, and some ford which really surprises me because I was always a ford guy and loved them 5 personal fords and 10plus work fords. A friend of mine who worked at cummings on the 5.9 told me there was over 100 less parts on the cummings verse ford 6.0 & 6.4 that is why they are more reliable.

As someone else has stated, the 6.0 and 6.4 were International engines. As far as delivery drivers goes, I've had 3 TTs delivered in the past 3 years(well 1 for me, the in laws, and my mother). ALL 3 drivers were driving Ford 6.0 diesels! I couldn't believe it. Was actually surprised the campers even made it to us. The first driver back in Fall 2012 had over 600K on his 6.0. He told me he had had 40 some odd injectors replaced and had just had to replace the heads- other than that just general maintenance. I had always heard that the 6.0 didn't suffer from massive failures as often when worked and driven hard- maybe that is the case.